Underwater Footage Showcases Thriving Oyster Reef in River Hamble

In a remarkable display of ecological restoration, underwater footage has revealed a thriving oyster reef in the River Hamble, just two years after its creation. The reef, built in 2023 as part of the Solent Seascape Project, is now teeming with life, in stark contrast to the surrounding seabed.

The project, led by the Blue Marine Foundation, teamed up with the Royal Navy to inspect the reef using a remote-operated vehicle (ROV). The footage showed that the 468 tonnes of gravel and shell placed on the riverbed have successfully attracted and supported a diverse array of marine life. Oysters have settled on the reef, and sponges, sea lettuce, crabs, and various fish species are thriving in the new habitat.

"It was amazing to get eyes on the reef for the first time in such detail," said Dr. Luke Helmer, the restoration science manager at Blue Marine. "The contrast was striking - where reef-building materials and oysters had been placed, the underwater world was filled with life, appearing far richer than the nearby unrestored areas."

The Solent Seascape Project aims to reverse the decline of the oyster fishery industry in the Solent area, which has been lost over the past two decades due to pollution, invasive species, disease, and over-extraction. The successful establishment of this oyster reef is a significant step towards restoring the region's natural marine ecosystem.